The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is cracking down on fraudulent vehicle inspections and inspectors through an operation it launched in August 2022 called “Operation Cinderblock”. This regulatory and criminal operation focuses on vehicle inspection stations and inspectors who were potentially “clean scanning” vehicles instead of conducting the required emissions test during the inspection process. Clean scanning is the illegal act of a vehicle inspector that results in a fraudulent “pass” for a vehicle’s emissions test. […]
Texas Department of Public Safety
Sens. Cruz, Cornyn to Honor Texas Rangers’ Bicentennial
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) will introduce the Texas Rangers Bicentennial Resolution next week, a bill that commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Texas Ranger Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety. The bill honors the men and women, past and present, who have dedicated their lives to upholding public safety in the Lone Star State as peace officers in the Texas Ranger Division. Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said: “I am always proud […]
Attorney General Paxton’s Law Enforcement Round-Up: December 1–31, 2022
CHILD EXPLOITATION UNIT In Bexar County, Gilbert Jimenez, Jr. was arrested on December 8 on three counts of possession of child pornography. This case was received from a National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (“NCMEC”) CyberTipline report involving the upload of images of child pornography to a social media platform. In Bexar County, Eduardo Picazo II was arrested on December 7 on a warrant for possession of child pornography. This case was received from two NCMEC […]
DPS Compassionate Use Program Now Taking Applications for Dispensing Organization Licenses
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Regulatory Services Division (RSD), is now accepting new applications for Compassionate Use Program (CUP) dispensing organization licenses. Applications for dispensing organization licenses may be submitted through the RSD Contact Us portal, using this application form (CUP-101). The application window will close at 5 p.m. CT on April 28, 2023. Applicants who have previously applied for a CUP dispensing organization license may reapply by submitting an updated application form (CUP-101). Application fees will be waived […]
DPS Honors More Than a Dozen with Awards at Final PSC Meeting of the Year
The Texas Public Safety Commission (PSC) along with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw presented eight Lifesaving Awards, two Director’s Awards and a Unit Citation at the PSC meeting on Thursday, Dec. 15, at DPS Headquarters in Austin. Two criminal intelligence analysts were also recognized for their tremendous work. “I’m honored to recognize these individuals for their commitment and dedication to the mission,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “These are people who are saving lives, and we’re […]
DPS Begins Enhanced Commercial Vehicle Safety Inspections at Ports of Entry Along Texas Border
On Tuesday, December 13, 2022, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) began conducting enhanced commercial vehicle safety inspections at random as they cross international ports of entry (POEs) into Texas. “We are committed to enforcing compliance with safety standards and one of our department’s primary functions is to ensure Texas roadways are safe for all Texans and visitors to our great state,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Cartels do not care about the condition […]
DPS Increases Traffic Enforcement for Thanksgiving Holiday
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is stepping up enforcement for the Thanksgiving holiday to ensure people are able to get to and from their celebrations safely. Texas Highway Patrol Troopers will increase enforcement on the roads from Wednesday, Nov. 23, through Sunday, Nov. 27. DPS Troopers will be looking for people not wearing seat belts, driving while intoxicated, speeding and failing to follow the Move Over, Slow Down law, among other traffic violations. “As […]
DPS Welcomes Newly Commissioned Troopers
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) commissioned 76 new Texas Highway Patrol Troopers from recruit class B-2022 during a graduation ceremony on Friday, May 6. The keynote speaker at the graduation was Russell S. Molina, the Director of the Texas Ranger Bicentennial. “Working with the leadership of DPS and the Rangers the last few years on the Texas Ranger Bicentennial has been a wonderful experience for me,” said Russell S. Molina. “To now have […]
DPS Launches Campaign to Fight Fentanyl
This month, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) answered Governor Greg Abbott’s call to action for state agencies by launching a new public awareness campaign to highlight the dangers of fentanyl. The multi-pronged campaign includes posting informational signage in DPS buildings, public service announcements at driver license offices statewide and publishing a webpage offering valuable resources. “Fentanyl is now the deadliest drug threat facing Texas and the nation, with thousands of innocent Texans and Americans losing their […]
DPS Partners with Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma to Offer IPC Program
On Sept. 21 & 22, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) partnered with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma to offer a two-day Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) program. IPC is a human trafficking and crimes against children class that trains front-line officers to recognize indicators that a child may be a victim, at risk of victimization or missing. “The IPC program is proven to help save the lives of children,” said DPS Director […]